Formation of Subcultures: Resistance to Hegemony of Dominant Class

Abstract

Dominant class employs hegemonic power to control subordinate groups of society. Instead of using physical violence, they seek the consent of marginalized people. In a sharp contrast to common submission to hegemonic powers, subcultures encounter dominant ideology by producing their own style, music, attire and phrases. Subcultures address invisible power structures by forming alternative discourses and practices. Subcultures like Hip-hop and Rap emerge from the marginal space and gradually develop into a level where they even pose threat to main stream cultural gestures. Bricolage is a one of the powerful strategies which subcultures manipulate to appropriate the artifacts of the dominant class. At the same time, dominant ideology in turn attempts to contain subcultures.